Thieves targeting vacant homes

Police responding to break-in and mischief calls in South Surrey last month say many of the reports involved vacant or under-construction homes.

Surrey RCMP is reminding residents to ensure they are properly securing their homes, especially if going away is on the agenda.

“If you’re a thief, it’s an easier target for sure,” Cpl. Scotty Schumann said of unattended homes. “This issue has been ongoing for some time, but we’ve noticed a spike in November.”

Police suggest residents properly secure doors and windows, use appropriate lighting and consider the use of security alarms and cameras.

Schumann encouraged anyone who notices unusual activity to call police (604-599-0502). He noted officers may simply confirm nothing untoward is underway, but at the same time, “we might get lucky and catch (a thief red-handed),” he said.